A remarkable story is sparking global conversations about mental health and unconventional paths to healing, as an American man’s quest to visit every country in the world helped him confront lifelong obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and shape a narrative of resilience and connection. His journey, chronicled in a recent CNN feature, offers fresh insights with far-reaching implications—including for readers in Thailand—about how challenging oneself in unfamiliar settings may support mental wellbeing.
Traveling with OCD was never about mere adventure for this individual, who grew up grappling with relentless cycles of troubling thoughts and a need for control—hallmarks of OCD as defined by the Mayo Clinic’s characterization of “unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions)” that drive repetitive behaviors (Mayo Clinic). Instead, travel became a lifeline. In the words of the world traveler, “OCD feeds on control: controlling your environment, routines, and outcomes. But when you’re navigating chaotic borders, sleeping on floors, or figuring things out in countries where you don’t speak the language, you’re forced to surrender control. It’s uncomfortable, but also freeing.” This sense of liberation from rigid routines was key to his healing process.
His mental health journey ultimately led him to set an ambitious goal: visit all 195 UN-recognized countries—and do so in a manner that required real engagement with each place, such as interacting with locals or exploring cultural landmarks. The challenge was both logistical and psychological, from building detailed spreadsheets for routes and visas to overcoming moments of isolation, illness, and anxiety. Notably, as he battled through setbacks like a dangerous bout of illness in Algeria and loneliness on the road, he consistently reported finding camaraderie and hospitality in places far from home: “The countries that receive the least tourism are often the ones where you have the best experience, because you feel totally immersed in their culture,” he reflected.
So why does this story matter in a Thai context? Thailand, like many societies, faces a growing need to address mental health openly and creatively. Surveys by Thai health authorities have shown increasing rates of anxiety disorders and stress-related conditions among youth and working adults (Department of Mental Health, Thailand), yet there remains a cultural reluctance to discuss personal psychological struggles or seek help publicly. The traveler’s openness—met by resonance with others who struggled with similar issues worldwide—illuminates the universal aspects of mental health and the therapeutic power of cultural exchange and vulnerability. His observation rings true for many: “Travel helped me recognize that mental health disorders don’t discriminate. People from all over the world shared a lot of the same plights and challenges that I did with my own mental health, and there’s something very comforting in that.”
Key facts and developments emerge from his experience. The traveler, also a former competitive tennis player, used his career and savings to fund the goal, often devoting weeks in each new country to do “something meaningful” and abide by NomadMania’s travel criteria—which emphasize actual cultural immersion (NomadMania). From living with basic amenities in Niger to marathon running in North Korea, he actively sought out rich, sometimes challenging, experiences to break through the boundaries of his OCD.
The obstacles, from physical health scares to the daily reality of loneliness, illuminate the complex relationship between environment, mental health, and personal resilience. “You have to really learn to get comfortable being lonely and kind of love it in a way. To love really getting to know yourself,” he said, underscoring the internal growth spurred by forced self-reliance and cross-cultural connection.
As his travels progressed, the “grand finale” came in North Korea—his last country—marked by participation in the Pyongyang International Marathon. Far more than a simple tick on a checklist, the moment crystallized the lessons learned: the pursuit was less about geography and more about “learning how to live with uncertainty, find calm in discomfort, and connect with people from every walk of life.” After returning to his home base, he reflected, “No one is going to believe in you as much as you do yourself,” a lesson acquired after initial skepticism from friends and family over his seemingly impossible quest.
The ripple effect from such a journey extends beyond individual healing. During a visit to Nigeria’s Makoko floating village, the traveler founded Humanity Effect, a nonprofit organization supporting local children—a legacy of social impact that endured beyond personal milestones.
Experts in travel medicine and psychology increasingly acknowledge the therapeutic potential of new experiences and cultural engagement for mental health. While not a replacement for formal psychological treatment, travel—especially when undertaken mindfully—can interrupt negative patterns, foster problem-solving skills, improve resilience, and broaden perspectives (BMC Psychology). Thai psychiatric organizations have similarly explored the value of travel and new activities as adjuncts to cognitive behavioral therapy in managing anxiety and depression (Thai Journal of Psychiatry).
For Thailand’s own mental health advocates and educators, the story inspires multidimensional lessons:
Exposure to new environments, even within Thailand, such as rural homestays or volunteering in different regions, can break rigid mindsets and foster greater acceptance of life’s uncertainties.
Open discussion of mental health journeys—by public figures or ordinary Thais—helps de-stigmatize seeking help and trying unconventional coping strategies, fitting with a cultural tradition of sharing hardships through community.
Engaging with diverse communities, whether abroad or domestically, can build empathy, reduce isolation, and enhance well-being, in line with the Thai value of namjai (warm-heartedness and generosity).
Looking back, the American traveler embraces his OCD as a manageable part of his identity—no longer the overarching force controlling his life. “Being able to accept that and speak so openly about my experiences, makes it so much less scary. And I feel like now, seven years after this whole journey began, I’m in control of my OCD, whereas before it was in control of me.”
In the Thai context—where worldliness, adaptability, and the ability to “find calm in discomfort” are highly prized—the message resonates: transformation is possible, even from life’s most unyielding difficulties, if creativity, courage, and openness are embraced.
For Thai readers, this story is a reminder to broaden the understanding of mental health beyond clinical settings. Consider simple but meaningful travel, even within Thailand, as a way to challenge old patterns and discover new perspectives. Be open to sharing personal struggles with trusted communities, and look for ways to foster connection and empathy, following the ideals of namjai. For those living with OCD or other mental health challenges, combining standard therapy with new experiences—within one’s means and capacities—can be a potent form of self-healing. For support, the Department of Mental Health’s hotline (1323) and a growing network of Thai mental health professionals provide resources for anyone wanting to begin their own journey of healing.
For more on the original story, visit CNN Travel.